Scientists learn more about the mechanics of memory loss

In addition to the physical changes that take place as we age, memory loss may be one of the greatest concerns facing men and women in Houston as the years go on. According to the Alzheimer's Association, one in eight older Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease – the most common form of dementia. Because this cognitive decline can have such a traumatic effect on your overall quality of life, we've dedicated a lot of time to writing about the lifestyle choices you can make to give your brain a boost, such as exercising regularly and picking up a book. Now, scientists are coming closer to understanding the actual mechanics behind age-based memory loss in the hopes of developing more effective treatments.

"The one thing that does seem fairly clear is that cognitive decline is not inevitable," explained Kathryn Magnusson, a neuroscientist from Oregon State University. "It's biological, we're finding out why it happens, and it appears there are ways we might be able to slow or stop it."

Magnusson and her associates have determined that the little memory lapses you experience now and then may be connected to specific receptors within the brain that relay information. The gradual loss of certain subunits in these receptors, Magnusson said, occurs naturally over the years. However, by better understanding how this happens, she argued that scientists may be able to determine how diet, medication, exercise and other factors may delay this process.

Further research is necessary before medical recommendations can be made based on this finding, but if you're interested in how you can boost your cognitive health through the choices you make each day, contact the anti-aging doctors at Longevity Centres of America in Houston. We offer hormone pellet implants and other rejuvenating procedures to help you age gracefully.